The New Zealand Tech Alliance is a group of independent technology associations from across New Zealand that work together to ensure a strong voice for technology.
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NZTech Inform – tech’s elephant in the room!
Kia ora readers,
Last week, Minister Twyford released the Government’s strategy for drones, Aviation for the Automated Age. The week prior, Minister Faafoi launched the Government’s 2019 Cyber Security Strategy. So we know it is possible! Yes, there are parts of the Government that understand the impact that rapidly changing technology will have on New Zealand, putting in place a roadmap so the rest of Government and industry can make confident decisions.
We desperately need more of this guidance. Where is the fintech strategy? A plan for the impact of technologies across our financial system. Where is the biotech strategy? A plan for economic growth through bio-based technologies and how New Zealand intends to manage genetic modification.
However, the elephant in the room is the apparent lack of Government attention on the impact of artificial intelligence (AI). If we could do with one cohesive strategy, it would be for AI, given that it touches on every sector and almost every element of Government policy.
The Danish have an AI plan, so does Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, United States of America, China, France, Germany, Singapore and Taiwan.
Last year, the Artificial Intelligence Forum of New Zealand, a not-for-profit membership funded NGO undertook a detailed study of the potential impact of AI on New Zealand. The key recommendation was the need for a coordinated AI strategy for New Zealand. This was over a year ago! Soon, the AI Forum will be releasing further research into the impacts and opportunities of AI for New Zealand, again calling for coordinated Government action.
Maybe if we had a Government CTO we would also have a nationally coordinated tech strategy… I wonder how that is going?
Ngā mihi
Graeme Muller
CEO
NZTech
PS: Don’t forget to register to attend our AGM on 25 July in Auckland.
CONNECT
Connect with InsurTechNZ at their next event on 31 July in Auckland. Register to attend Identity Conference 2019 – Identity as taonga: now and in the future, 26-27 August in Wellington.
Join the AI Forum’s discussion on increasing AI adoption on 24 July in Wellington and 30 July in Auckland. Looking for a guest speaker for an event? Meet local AI speakers here.
Join Canterbury Tech on 13 August to discuss digital transformation. NZSA is calling for entries to its annual An Angel at my Table pitching event on 13 August.
PROMOTE
Attend Tackling the Mental Health Crisis with Technologyon 31 July in Auckland. Join the Indo-Pacific Dialogue: Beyond 2020 on 15 August in Auckland.
Meet the Tech Leader. We asked Foodstuff’s Simon Kennedy to share his leadership lessons, what inspires him and his favourite productivity tip. Read more.
Massey’s ecentre Innovation Showcase 2019 is 8 August in Auckland. The 2019 AmCham-DHL Express Success and Innovation Awards is 23 August in Auckland.
ADVANCE
Provide feedback on the Government’s Agritech Strategy at consultation workshops on 2 August in Palmerston North, 8 August in Auckland, 26 August in Hamilton and 29 August in Lincoln.
Entries for the Deloitte Fast 50 close on 2 August. Read how New Zealand’s international tech reputation is growing. Also, global growth for two local companies sees the announcement of 200 more tech jobs.
Applications for the Callaghan Innovation R&D Experience Grants close 31 August. Callaghan’s RFP for incubators with deep tech commercialisation experiencecloses 4 October.
Don’t forget to register to attend our AGM and member only event on 25 July in Auckland.
